'Emotionally compelling work' wins top ceramic award

Established ceramic artist Louise Rive has won the country’s top ceramic honour, the 2014 Premier Portage Award for her figurative work, The Space Between.

The Award was presented to Ms Rive by this year’s international judge, Takeshi Yasuda (Japan) at a ceremony held in West Auckland’s newly opened Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery (formerly Lopdell House Gallery).

Mr Yasuda says the winning work displays an overwhelming sense of emotion.

"In selecting the winner, I look first and foremost at whether the work moves me; it needs to tell a story and capture my attention emotionally or spiritually.

"The Space Between conveys powerful universal feelings that people anywhere in the world can relate to. The work’s quality of finish is excellent, but it does not overpower nor is it independent of the expressive quality of the work."

Based in central Auckland, Ms Rive has been painting and making ceramic works for more than 30 years.

The 2014 Portage Ceramic Awards winners and finalist works will be on exhibition at Te Uru from 7 November 2014 - 8 February 2016.

Established in 2001, The Portage Ceramic Awards are New Zealand’s premier showcase for the ceramic arts. Administered by Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery and funded by The Trust’s Community Foundation, the awards are the country’s best known barometer identifying our finest ceramic artists.

These annual awards and exhibition provide a vital platform to showcase the diversity of ceramic artists nationwide.